A vote is expected on Thursday on the proposed hate crimes bill that would provide federal assistance to state and local authorities dealing with bias crimes against LGBT people and others. As expected, the radical right has flooded phone lines and e-mail boxes of legislators in Washington. Please take a moment to call or e-mail your local representative to let them know how important it is that this bill gets passed.

Don't know your representative? Call the U.S. Capital Switchboard at (202)224-3121 to be connected. You can also find additional information here .

Let's honor the memory of all of our brothers and sisters we've lost to senseless violence and keep those who are still with us safe. Let's do our part and make sure our voices are heard.

Update: I spoke with the office of Georgia representative Henry Johnson and it was confirmed that he's supporting the bill. Have you contacted your representative yet? Time is running out.